Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) – Year C – 22nd June 2025 Parish Clergy
Fr Michael McCaughey, PP: (028) 71882274 / (028) 71882215
Fr Declan Boland (priest in residence)
Lifford Parish Office: tel: 003537491 42001
Email: leckpatrickparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.leckpatrickparish.com
Email: strabaneparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.camusparish.com
Email: clonleighparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.clonleighparish.com
Thoughts on the Gospel
You might expect that on a feast to commemorate the Eucharist we would be reading a text describing the Last Supper. However, since the last days of Jesus life were vividly recalled during Holy Week, we are now invited to reflect upon the meaning of the events and that is why today we are considering the miracle of the loaves and fishes. This was a highly symbolic act on the part of Jesus because, not only does it echo the Old Testament miracle of the manna in the wilderness, it also indicates Jesus’ desire to nourish his followers as they journey with him on the road of faith. The Eucharist is precisely that, and every time we gather for it we recognise that we are pilgrims in need of the sustenance that only God can give.
When Jesus said ‘Do this in memory of me’ it is clear that he was not only referring to his actions relating to the bread and wine. He was asking his followers to live out this symbol of his life-giving love. This is made very clear in the fourth gospel where, instead of the Passover meal, John reports that Jesus knelt down and washed the feet of his disciples and afterwards told them that they must do the same.
The Eucharist as a sacrifice and meal involves us not simply in a prayerful ritual but also commits us to a way of relating to each other.
If we are truly devoted to the Lord’s presence in Holy Communion then we will also be truly devoted to his presence in the community, especially in those who are most in need.
Lord, deepen within me today a new love for Christ present in the Eucharist.
____________________
The month of June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a powerful symbol of Christ’s boundless love and mercy for humanity. During this special time, we are invited to draw closer to His heart through prayer, acts of charity, and devotion. Let us take this opportunity to deepen our relationship with Jesus, trusting in His infinite compassion and divine love.
- most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You, and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.
Requiescant in Pace We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
John McCauley, Glen Road
Mary Gallagher, Coolatee, Lifford Maria Duffy, Evish Square.
Anniversaries Alan McDevitt, James McDaid, George Clarke, Martina McNulty, Joe McNulty,
Elizabeth Roulston, Hugh Neeson, Maggie May Moss, Rita McGarrigle, Bosco Connolly,
Madge Kelly, Kathleen Walker, Teasie McDaid, Bridget Kelly, Masie Wallace, Helen McGuire,
Robert McClay, Felix Doherty, Tom Gallagher, Noreen Kelly, Lily Duffy, Mark McGrath,
- J McGrath, Richard McGrath, Dary McDaid, James McDaid
Readings for Sunday 29th June (Sts Peter & Paul, Apostles):
1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11
Psalm: 34
2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
Saints / Feast Days of the Coming Week:
Tuesday: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Friday: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Saturday: St Irenaeus, bishop, martyr and doctor of the Church
The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thank You for your generosity to last week’s collections:
Leckpatrick: £1,273
Clonleigh: €1,347.85 (Euro)
Camus: £1,525
Thanks also to those who pay by standing order.
St Vincent de Paul Society Senior Citizens’ Afternoon Tea Dance will take place in St Pat’s Hall, Strabane on Friday 27th June from 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm. Admission is free and tickets are available at the St Vincent de Paul shop.
Camus / Leckpatrick Draws The next draws will take place in Ballymagorry Parochial House on Thursday 26th June at 7.30 pm. All promoters are welcome to come along and witness the draws. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Feast of Corpus Christi We welcome children from St Catherine’s PS who today (Sunday), will process from the Grotto in Strabane to Church of the Immaculate Conception for 12.15 pm Mass. These children recently received holy communion for the first time. We encourage families to come along on this special day. (P7 will have a Leavers’ Mass on Tuesday 24th June.)
St Patrick’s Church, Murlog – National Schools Today (Sunday), we welcome children from our national schools to 11 am Mass in St Patrick’s Church. A particular welcome to the children who in recent weeks celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. As a parish faith community, we ask God’s blessing on the children and their families.
Children from St Mary’s School, Cloughcor are welcome to Vigil Mass at 5 pm on Saturday 21st June in St Mary’s Church, Cloughcor. These children have recently celebrated their First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation. We invite them and family members to come along as we celebrate Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ.
Our Parish Pastoral Area Annual Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Saturday 26th July led by Fr Michael McCaughey, PP. Luxury coach departs St Patrick’s Church car park, Murlog at 7.30 am. Mass will be celebrated by Fr Michael in the Apparition Chapel at 12.30 pm. Cost for bus / evening meal €30 per person. To book your seat please contact James: 0858767999, Mary: 0877625237 or Bernie: 07853272541.
Sharing the Good News The weekly newsletter of the Irish Bishops’ Conference can be viewed at https://catholicnews.ie/
Lough Derg Annual Draw tickets are available at https://www.loughderg.org/store/c3/annualdraw Draw date 19th October 2025. Prizes:
£10,000, £5,000, £2,000, £1,500, £1,000, £500. Tickets €10/£9 single; €50/£45 for book of 6.
Vocations To The Priesthood – Diocese Of Derry Your prayers are asked for Stephen Baxter who will be ordained Deacon in St Columb’s Church, Waterside, Derry on Friday 27th June.
Pray for Vocations As we celebrate the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ we pray for our diocesan seminarians and for the men who are currently discerning a vocation to the priesthood that, as priests, they will faithfully and reverently nourish the people of God in their preaching of the Word and in the Eucharist. Vocations Director: Fr Pat O’Hagan – https://derryvocations.org/about/
Job Opportunity with Derry Diocesan Trust Parish Operations and Administration Manager, Leckpatrick, Camus and Lifford Parishes. Permanent post – 35 hours per week. Reporting to the Parish Priest, the role entails the oversight and coordination of all business and administrative aspects of parish life. For application pack please tel 028 71262302 or email: recruitment@derrydiocese.org Completed applications must be returned to Personnel, Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, or via email to recruitment@derrydiocese.org no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
The Contemplative Prayer Group meets on Mondays at 8 pm in the Prayer Room in Parochial House, Barrack St. All welcome. Entry by Parish Priest’s front door.
Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes 2025 Bishop McKeown will offer Mass for intending pilgrims in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown, Derry on Monday 23rd June at 7pm. After Mass pilgrim packs including tickets will be distributed. Those who cannot attend should arrange for someone to collect their tickets.
Diocese of Derry 3-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg led by Bishop Donal McKeown starts on Friday 26th July, and concludes on Sunday 28th July. Bus leaves St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, on Friday 26th July at 11 am. Cost £80 including transport. Cost for those making their own way to Lough Derg, £70. Pre-booking is required for those travelling by bus. Please contact Tony Brennan on tony.brennan@derrydiocese.org or tel 028 7126 2302 for a booking form.
Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Workshops take place on September 26th & 27th 2025, October 17th & 18th 2025 and November 7th & 8th 2025 in the Everglades Hotel, Prehen Rd,
Derry, BT47 2NH. Please visit www.accord.com
Praying for the Holy Souls Our Lady of Montligeon Prayer Group meets in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on the last Wednesday of the month. Next meeting is on Wednesday 25th June from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm.
Lough Derg 3 Day Pilgrimages from 30th May – 15th August. Admission €85. Booking is advised. Pilgrims can begin their pilgrimage on any day until 13th August. Contact 00353 7198 61518 / info@loughderg.org
Mass Cards / Mass Bouquets are available from the parish office.
Libraries NI Summer Reading Challenge Get ready for 66 days of reading excitement! This summer we’re inviting all young readers (aged 4-11) to take part in The Big Summer Read starting in local libraries on Friday 27th June.
NW Regional College Part-time enrolments are now open for courses beginning in September, offering a wide range of part-time study options from hobby and recreational classes to university level qualifications. Visit www.nwrc.ac.uk
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje 7 nights August 13th 2025 Belfast – Mostar, return Split – Belfast €875 pps. Single supplement €170. Please contact Ursula: 0872960562.
Radio Maria Ireland: https://www.radiomaria.ie/radio-maria-ireland/ is an Irish-run Catholic Talk-Radio Station with commercial-free broadcasting of Prayer, Catechesis, Music, Talks, Interviews and Testimonies.
Gamblers Anonymous Tel 71351329. Alcoholics Anonymous Tel 90351222.
‘Pilgrims of Hope Pilgrimage’ to Rome led by Thornhill Ministries takes place 16th October for 4 nights. Cost: £1,095 stg pps. Please text: 07736832458.
Give Blood, Save Lives NI Blood Transfusion Service will collect blood donations on Tuesday
15th July from 1 – 4 pm & 5 – 8 pm & Wednesday 16th July from 12.30 – 4 pm & 5 – 7.30 pm at Strabane Presbyterian Church Hall, Derry Rd, BT82 8LA. Visit https://nibts.hscni.net/onlinebooking–for-blood-donation-appointments/
Support Group for Family Carers of People Living with Dementia If you are caring for someone / have cared for someone living with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland are running a monthly support group for family carers of people living with dementia on the last Wednesday of the month from 12 noon – 1.30 pm in the Pastoral Centre, Letterkenny, F92 HP66. Contact Maria McGill on 0876294065 / Dean Thompson on 087 3802957.
Hearing Aid Support takes place on Thursday 26th June from 2 – 4 pm at the Grass Roots Cafe, Strabane, BT82 8EF (and on the last Thursday of every month).
Age NI is offering a ‘Check In and Chat’ telephone service for anyone over 60 in N Ireland, who may feel isolated or lonely. You can register free of charge to receive a regular tel call from us. Call 08088087575 or email info@ageni.org
Aware Support Group (Overcoming Depression, Changing Lives) meets on Wednesday 25th June at 6.30 pm at the Koram Centre, 12 Railway St, Strabane, BT82 8BG for those living with depression, anxiety or bipolar. AWARE’s support groups provide an opportunity to meet others going through similar experiences. For information, please email info@aware-ni.org The group runs fortnightly.
All-Ireland Rally for Life takes place in Dublin on Saturday 5th July. Make a stand to protect Ireland’s unborn babies. Coaches will be travelling from towns across N Ireland. To book your seat contact 02890278484 / 07592280522 or email info@preciouslife.com
Sr Clare Rosary continues every Monday at 8.30 pm in Termonbacca, Derry.
Daily Mass schedule for the coming week will be announced at weekend Masses. We thank people for their support and understanding at this time. We ask for your prayers.
Weddings Please contact any of our parish offices. At least 6 months’ notice required.
Baptisms: Parent(s) are asked to contact any of our parish offices.
Safeguarding If you have any concerns with regard to safeguarding children or adults in need of protection within the Church, please contact Maire Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) at tel: +447596 500 793 or email: mairegormley@derrydiocese.org or PSNI (Police Service of N Ireland) 101 or Social Services: Western HSC Trust, +442871314090
(Ask for the Duty Social Worker) or Garda Síochána, Buncrana 074 9320540, Letterkenny HQ 074 9123672 or TUSLA Family & Child Agency Buncrana 074 9320420 or Letterkenny 074 9123672.